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County Legislature Honors Contributions Of Local
Residents As Part Of National Nurses’ Week Celebration 

Legislator Paul Presents Distinguished Service Awards To Annette D. McBride, Manju K. Thomas, Carmeline Timothee-Torchon & Liliana Lopez

The Rockland County Legislature is celebrating National Nurses Week by recognizing the contributions of four local residents who have long worked as nurses while also volunteering to better the community.

Rockland County Legislator Dr. Aney Paul, who holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and has been a nurse for more than three decades, was joined by Legislator Toney Earl in presenting Distinguished Service Awards to nurses Annette D. McBride, Manju K. Thomas, Carmeline Timothee-Torchon & Liliana Lopez.

“I know firsthand that nursing is more than a profession – it is a calling rooted in compassion, dedication, and service to others,” Legislator Paul said. “These outstanding nurses have not only excelled in their careers but have also gone above and beyond through their volunteerism and commitment to strengthening our communities. It is an honor to recognize their contributions and to thank them for the care, comfort, and leadership they provide every day.”

Legislator Earl, whose wife, Idette, is a longtime nurse, noted that the DSA is County Legislature’s highest award.

“My wife has devoted many years of her life to nursing, so I have seen up close the compassion, sacrifice, and resilience this profession demands,” Legislator Earl said. “The nurses we honor represent the very best of healthcare professionals, not only for the care they provide in their workplaces, but for the countless ways they give back to our communities through service and leadership. Their dedication deserves to be celebrated.”

May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

This year’s honorees:

Annette D. McBride is a registered nurse and U.S. Army Reserve veteran whose more than four decades of service reflect a lifelong commitment to care, leadership, and community. In both her civilian and military roles, she has demonstrated exceptional compassion, discipline, and dedication to those she serves.

She continues to give back through her church, sorority, and community, uplifting others through service and mentorship. Her legacy is one of resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive.

Dr. Manju K. Thomas is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than 30 years of experience, whose career reflects both clinical excellence and a deep commitment to service. Beyond her professional work, she has dedicated herself to strengthening communities through meaningful engagement and leadership.

She has organized Red Cross blood drives, supported outreach through the National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association of America, and led numerous cultural and community initiatives. Her work continues to expand access to care while fostering connection, mentorship, and service.

Carmeline Timothee-Torchon brings over 30 years of nursing experience, currently serving as a charge nurse in a forensic psychiatric setting. Her career has been defined by dedication to vulnerable populations, along with leadership in programs addressing mental health, substance use, and patient care outcomes.

Beyond her clinical role, she is deeply engaged in humanitarian and community work, including medical missions to Haiti and support for international relief organizations. Her impact spans both local care and global service, and she is an active member of the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA) of Hudson Valley, and Haitian Cultural Heritage Preservation, among other organizations.

Dr. Liliana Lopez is a family nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and advocate whose work has transformed access to healthcare across the Lower Hudson Valley. As the founder of a network of primary care clinics, - En Su Casa Primary Health Care - she provides culturally competent, patient-centered care to thousands each year, particularly within underserved communities.

Her forward-thinking approach emphasizes prevention, early detection, and whole-person wellness. In addition to her clinical leadership, she mentors future nurses, supports Latino students, and advances health equity through education and innovation.

“Together, these honorees embody the very best of the nursing profession, and we thank them for the lasting impact they’ve made on countless lives,” Legislator Paul said.

Rockland County Legislator Dr. Aney Paul, who holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and has been a nurse for more than three decades, was joined by Legislator Toney Earl in presenting Distinguished Service Awards to nurses Manju K. Thomas, Annette D. McBride, Carmeline Timothee-Torchon, and Liliana Lopez, who was unable to attend the event but was still recognized.

Annette D. McBride receives the Distinguished Service Award.

Honoring Dr. Manju K. Thomas.

 Carmeline Timothee-Torchon is recognized for her professional accomplishments and community service.

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